NYO 2022

@horseymum is right - it is a levelling the playing field thing. DD2 does not have an orchestra at school and has to take her GCSE music as an extracurricular club as it isn't offered on the curriculum.

Her teachers and peri teachers are fabulous but the gulf between what she gets at school and her private school friends' experience is absolutely immense (and getting worse) because of the tiny funding, the massive needs in other areas (worse post-Covid) and the fact that this government does not value arts funding.

I really applaud the NYO for offering this. As we can afford to, we will of course donate so that others can have the experience too.

My impression was that they were targeting state school children because the percentage of independent school children is way higher than it should be. A few years ago I think it was over 50 percent, and still running at over 30 so a bit of positive discrimination at the lower level to give people a leg up. ( 7 percent of kids are privately educated I believe) The standard of orchestra in some state schools would mean some kids are never exposed to high quality ensemble music making to lift their game. Our huge high school has a tiny orchestra with about 5 grade 1 violins, a couple of ok cellos, some not very confident brass about grade 3 and several enthusiastic but not experienced flutes/ clarinets. Total of about 18 kids. They only get to play basic arrangements. Some independent schools will have a proper orchestra for each year group. Also, it is (usually) a choice to go private and the assumption is maybe made that many people could choose not to and spend their money differently. I think it's an amazing opportunity to diversify the orchestra scene but I can see how it would seem frustrating if you feel excluded from an opportunity. In Scotland we only really have NYOS as the main provider, and it is full of privately educated children as they have higher quality music in school and higher aspirations. It is out of reach of many state educated families. I hope your child enjoys their music and is able to pursue it to whatever level they choose.

Hi, their website states:
"These are game-changing ensemble music opportunities specifically for teenagers who attend state schools, are home educated OR if you are Black, Asian or ethnically diverse; these are communities underrepresented in the world of orchestral music." So, private school pupils can apply if they are Black, Asian or ethnically diverse.

Does anyone know the rules for Inspire? They say State school children/underrepresented in the sector children are specifically targeted by the project, but does that mean that children at private schools are excluded from the project? Just wondered as NYO fees are a big stretch on top of school fees.…… thanks.

Wow, congrats to all your talented kids. My DD2 applied just for Inspire - got an email today asking whether she'd accept doing the residential with her second instrument as her first (flute) is so oversubscribed.

She only just scrapes into the standard on her second (bassoon) so it will be a big ask for her! But she does love a residential and it's free, so who knows?

Is it only meant for kids who are planning to pursue a music career and taken Music GCSE / A levels?
My DD went to assessment day and said she didnt find anyone who wasnt.

Well done to all your DC! Mine got in too - such a great opportunity, we’re so pleased for her. I think it hasn’t quite sunk in for her yet! Agree that they make it a really worthwhile experience for everyone.

Well done! So exciting for everyone. Hard for those who didn't get what they wanted to, hope they are ok. We applied for inspire program so will see what comes of that.

Absolutely thrilled dc got in!! 😊
Yes well worth applying as they learn lots on the assessment day & really seem to enjoy whatever the outcome.

Well done to your dc! And the not so lucky ones who can try again next year… it’s all great experience!

👏👏👏

DS got in on flute - he's beyond ecstatic!

My dd got a place in violin 2. Lots of excitement here tonight 😊

How did your DC get on? DC (strings) got some residential playing offered but not a full place; it was a long shot so all good

i think they said one or around the 23rd sept

I hope everyone’s dc enjoyed their audition day. Does anyone know what date they hear the results?

Hope the auditions go well. We put a last minute inspire application in, will see if anything comes of it.

nice to hear from you all, and best of luck to your DC. At least they don’t have to wait too long for results.

My DD has hers on Saturday. Her friends who have done it have told her it's a really fun workshop/learning experience regardless. She really wants to get a place though! Not eligible for Inspire.

DC also auditioning this week; not eligible for Inspire so very keen to get a place….very much a long shot….

Audition at the weekend, dc also desperate to get in!! Dc worrying about everything now, hopefully it will be a positive experience and dc won’t be too disappointed if unsuccessful. I’ve said chances are slim but not listening to me.
Not sure about nyo inspire.
Results out 23rd so maybe will find out if it’s nyo or nyo inspire then?

Anyone else have DC doing the 2nd round NYO auditions at the mo? DD has hers tomorrow and is desperate to get in. Really hoping it's a positive experience for her either way. Do you know if those who are eligible automatically get offered NYO Inspire once they are through to the 2nd round?

Our days were all Sundays, although not everyone gets offered the same activities, so I can't say for certain that Saturdays aren't offered.

I would guess though that they're mindful that almost all members (and tutors!) will have other commitments, and chances are these would be on Saturdays, hence favouring Sundays.

Also you don't have to do everything that's offered - you sign up for each thing individually.

Thanks for that. Is it all on Saturdays, or during the holidays? Dd is at a jd so couldn't do Saturdays in term time.

Hey horsey. Inspire is great, and really is all free. The catch financially is travel. There are a few residential activities, but certainly most of what my DC did last year were long single days (09.30-18.30). Add a few hours travel on to that and some are only really practical if you stay over the night before.

However a night in a premier Inn a few times a year is still lots cheaper than NYO proper!